Londoners wake up to snow after capital is hit by Arctic blizzard

Londoners have woken up to snow this morning after the capital was battered by the Arctic blast sweeping across Britain.

People shared pictures of their wintry commutes as sleet and snow fell – while others joked they would have to work from home. 

Showers fell across southern England, with the UK’s cold snap set to bring more snow and ice today. 

A number of national severe warnings for snow and ice were issued, with the Met Office saying further alerts, or updates to the current ones, were ‘very likely’. 

One person shared a photo and tweeted: ‘Obligatory London snow picture. Barricade the doors, stock up on tinned food and toilet rolls.’

See also  Moment shots ring out at Ohio high school football game: Fans flee under stands as gunfire is heard

People shared pictures of their wintry commutes as sleet and snow fell in the capital this morning

Another said: ‘London covered in snow again. Good luck to  me trying to get into the office for a 9:30am meeting.’

A third said: ‘It’s all fun and games until it’s 24 hours later, frozen solid, you have two flights to catch (one of which you’ve already had to rebook an alternative for) and you can’t prebook a taxi to the airport. Oh, and now there is snow forecast in London. Got my thermals out though.’

Commuters also hit out at disruption on Southeastern railway as the weather affected the network.

Southeastern railway’s Bromley North Line has its services suspended between Grove Bark and Bromley North

Trains were delayed due to the severe weather conditions as an Arctic blast gripped Britain

Commuters have complained about the travel disruption today

The rail operator said it was ‘running a normal service but with heavy snow expected from late afternoon there is a high risk of disruption to trains from 5pm onwards’.

Passengers are being advised that some routes may need to close early. 

Trains were unable to run between Hastings and Tonbridge today due to a fallen tree blocking the line.

Commuters faced travel misery as snow showers fell in Westminster, central London

Snow showers in Cricklewood, north London, today 

The UK Health and Security Agency has issued a Level 3 Cold Weather Alert for the whole of England. 

The Met Office’s early morning radar showed an area of rain moving in from the south and west which was starting to turn increasingly to sleet and snow as it pushed north and east.

The forecasting body’s chief meteorologist, Matthew Lehnert, said the weather could cut off rural communities in the North and impact travel over the next few days across southern England and South Wales.

He said: ‘Snow, ice and low temperatures are the main themes of this week’s forecast, with the UK under an Arctic maritime air mass.

It was a dreary start to the day for many as snow showers fell in southern England, with the Met Office warning of more wintry conditions ahead

Snow showers were seen in Beckenham, south-east London, this morning

‘Snow could lead to some travel disruption, with a chance some rural communities in the North could be cut off.

‘The focus for the snow moves to southern England and South Wales tomorrow and some may wake up to a few centimetres of snow, with the south coast and far South-West likely to see a mix of rain and sleet.

‘Further snow and hail showers are also expected along northern coasts, especially in northern Scotland.’

He added: ‘During the afternoon, a further spell of sleet and snow is likely to develop across southern England and South Wales which could cause travel disruption into the evening.’